–More Than 200 Participants Join Celebration in Monrovia as Diplomats, Government Officials, UN Representatives, and Health Advocates Embrace Yoga’s Message of Healthy Ageing, Peace, and Well-being
MONROVIA, June 21, 2026 – The Embassy of India in Liberia on Sunday brought together diplomats, government officials, United Nations representatives, health professionals, students, and fitness enthusiasts to celebrate the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY), underscoring the growing popularity of yoga as a tool for healthy living, mental wellness, and social harmony.
Held at Monrovia City Hall under the global theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” the event attracted more than 200 participants and highlighted the increasing recognition of yoga as a holistic practice that promotes physical fitness, emotional balance, and resilience in an increasingly stressful world.
The celebration formed part of a global observance marked annually on June 21 following the adoption of a landmark United Nations resolution in 2014 proclaiming the International Day of Yoga. The resolution, introduced by India and co-sponsored by a record number of countries, recognized yoga’s universal appeal and its contribution to health and well-being worldwide.
Diplomats, Government Officials Join Celebration
The Monrovia event drew a distinguished gathering of senior government officials, diplomats, development partners, and members of Liberia’s growing yoga community.
Among those in attendance were Deputy Information Minister for Technical Services Nat Bayjay, who served as Chief Guest; Assistant Minister for Curative Services Dr. Teyah Sackie Moore, representing Health Minister Dr. Louise Kpoto; Assistant Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications V. Marshal Sambola; Assistant Minister for Operations Emmanuel Fred; and Deputy Director General for Cultural Heritage at the Liberia National Tourism Authority Stevenson T. Seidi.
Also present were Bang’yela A. Gang, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Cameroon to Liberia; Dr. Mady Biaye, Acting Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Liberia; and Alaskai Moore Johnson, Acting President of the Liberia Association of Indian-Trained Professionals (LAITP/ITEC Alumni).
Representatives of diplomatic missions, including the Embassy of Cuba, members of the Indian community, alumni of India’s educational and technical cooperation programs, and students from Aware International School also participated in the event.
India Highlights Yoga as a Gift to Humanity
Delivering the keynote address, Indian Ambassador to Liberia Manoj Bihari Verma described yoga as one of India’s most enduring contributions to global civilization and emphasized its relevance in promoting healthier and more balanced lifestyles.
The Ambassador noted that this year’s theme reflects a growing global concern about ageing populations and the need for practical approaches that enable people to live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.
“As people live longer lives, yoga offers an effective pathway to healthy ageing by supporting physical fitness, mental well-being, emotional balance, and resilience,” Ambassador Verma said.
He stressed that yoga extends far beyond physical exercise and should be understood as a comprehensive way of life that encourages harmony between body and mind.
“Yoga is not merely a form of exercise but a holistic way of life that nurtures harmony between body and mind and encourages self-awareness and continuous self-development,” he added.
The Ambassador also reaffirmed India’s commitment to sharing the benefits of yoga globally under the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—a Sanskrit phrase meaning “The World is One Family.”
Growing Relevance in Modern Society
Speakers at the event highlighted yoga’s increasing importance in addressing contemporary health challenges, including stress, anxiety, sedentary lifestyles, and non-communicable diseases.
Health experts have long argued that regular physical activity, breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices can play a significant role in improving cardiovascular health, reducing stress levels, and promoting overall well-being.
The distinguished guests emphasized that yoga’s benefits extend beyond individual health, helping to foster social cohesion, peace, and mutual understanding.
Participants were encouraged to embrace healthy lifestyles and preventive healthcare measures as countries around the world grapple with rising healthcare costs and growing public health challenges.
Guided Yoga Session Takes Center Stage
One of the highlights of the celebration was a guided yoga session led by Massa Mamey Clarke, founder of Flow Studios Monrovia.
Participants practiced a series of yoga postures, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques drawn from the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP)—a standardized routine developed by India’s Ministry of AYUSH in consultation with leading yoga experts.
Introduced in 2015, the Common Yoga Protocol has become the foundation for International Day of Yoga celebrations worldwide and is practiced annually by millions of people across continents.
The session transformed Monrovia City Hall into a vibrant space of movement, mindfulness, and wellness as participants followed guided exercises designed to improve flexibility, concentration, and physical health.
Students Recognized for Creativity
As part of the broader International Day of Yoga celebrations, the Embassy of India had earlier organized a painting competition for students of Aware International School centered on the theme of yoga.
During Sunday’s event, medals and certificates were presented to winners and participants in recognition of their creativity and enthusiastic engagement.
Organizers said the competition was intended to encourage young people to explore the values of health, discipline, harmony, and cultural understanding through artistic expression.
Strengthening India-Liberia Cultural Ties
Beyond its health benefits, the celebration also reflected the growing cultural and people-to-people ties between India and Liberia.
Over the years, India has expanded its engagement with Liberia through educational scholarships, technical training programs, healthcare cooperation, capacity-building initiatives, and cultural exchanges.
The annual observance of International Day of Yoga has become one of the most visible symbols of that relationship, bringing together people from different backgrounds in a shared commitment to wellness and healthy living.
As the event concluded, participants renewed their commitment to promoting peace, health, well-being, and unity through the practice of yoga.
For many attendees, the celebration served as a reminder that amid global challenges and increasing pressures of modern life, the principles of balance, mindfulness, and healthy living remain more relevant than ever.
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